The Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences aims to develop sports coaches and administrators who can function successfully in an interdisciplinary environment. The qualification aims to equip students with applied competencies required to work within education settings to provide physical education through sports programmes and promote principles of good management in sport to improve athletes’ and sports teams’ performances. The qualification further provides students with basic introductory knowledge and cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques required for higher education studies in sports sciences and education.

The ideal candidate has a certificate that the University deems to be equivalent to the National Senior Certificate with an APS of 20 and at least a 4 (50%–59%) for English Home Language or English First Additional Language. Students who excel in this programme are passionate about sport and physical education. Student-athletes and professional sportspeople who want to further their studies while competing in sporting events.

Many young people with proven sports talents and the ability to learn at an advanced level who do not meet the entry requirements for study at Diploma or Degree level develop those talents into learning and career pathways. Very few schools in South Africa have qualified sports teachers. The Higher Certificate is needed to provide an entry point into higher education training as the first step to possible career pathways in sports coaching, administration or teaching.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Sports coaching, sports and excercise industry

Important information for all prospective students for 2023

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

You will be considered for final admission if space allows, and if you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree or diploma studies, and comply with the minimum subject requirements as well as the APS requirements of this programme.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

*Admission to BEd with a Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences 

Applicants who obtained Diploma Studies endorsement for the NSC or equivalent qualification, may be considered for admission to the BEd Senior Phase and FET Teaching degree (09133031), with specialisation in the elective combination of Human Movement Studies and Sport Management, if they successfully complete the Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences with a minimum cumulative weighted average of 60% (excluding JRC 150 (Sports Practical 150)).

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2023: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Same as above.

• Applicants who indicate the Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences as their first- or second-choice will be considered.
• All applicants will be considered by the Student Administration of the Faculty based on the academic admission requirements.
• Applicants who meet the academic requirements will then be further considered for the different sports codes in deliberation with TuksSport, according to their sports achievements.
• Students who have been nominated by an official sports club of the University will enjoy preference for selection.
• Applicants who obtained Diploma Studies endorsement for the NSC or equivalent qualification, may be considered for admission to the BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching degree (09133031), with specialisation in the elective combination of Human Movement Studies and Sports Management, if they successfully complete the Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences with a cumulative weighted average of at least 60% (excluding JRC 150 Sports Practical) (for the contact programme)

Criteria considered/endorsed by TuksSport for selection for the Higher Certificate include:

• potential to make a positive contribution to team performance at the USSA Student National Championships;
• participation in the Varsity Sports SA competitions in a specific sporting code (in which UP competes);
• scarcity of athletes in the club for particular events or playing positions, for example the need for a sprinter, 400 m hurdler, goalkeeper, backstroke swimmer or wicketkeeper;
• projected long-term athlete involvement in the specific club;
• current position on the international rankings;
• ability to qualify for international competitions;
• current position on sports-specific SA Senior rankings; current position on sports-specific SA Junior rankings; and
• submission of an updated, detailed curriculum vitae. 

It is the prerogative of the University and the Faculty of Education, in consultation with the Director of TuksSport, to select students on the recommendation of the club.

?

All modules will only be presented in English, as English is the language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria.

Faculty Yearbooks: click here. 

The closing date for all selection programmes is 30 June 2022. The University of Pretoria has decided not to set a specific closing date for applications to non-selection programmes for 2023. Applications will close when the available study spaces are filled (close on availability of space). Once the available number of study places for a specific programme are filled, no further applications for that particular programme will be considered. All applicants are therefore strongly advised and encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible after 1 April 2022 and to check the application site (UP Student Portal) regularly. 

The Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria continues to develop into one of the largest and most diverse units in South Africa for the initial and advanced training of education professionals from across the world. A distinguishing characteristic of the Faculty is that it not only trains pre-service teachers but also educational psychologists, principals, researchers, programme evaluators, curriculum designers, computer education and training experts, assessment specialists, education policy analysts, community development workers and education law advisors working in national and international agencies and organisations.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.